Certification Requirements
Becoming an Able Seaman requires obtaining a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with the appropriate endorsements from the U.S. Coast Guard. The process involves meeting specific sea time requirements, completing required training, and passing examinations.
Important Update
The U.S. Coast Guard has temporarily reduced sea time requirements for AB endorsements from December 22, 2023 to December 22, 2026. Additionally, effective January 17, 2025, the term "Able Bodied Seaman" will be officially changed to "Able Seafarer" in all national endorsements.
Basic Requirements for All AB Endorsements
These requirements apply to all types of AB endorsements
- Minimum age of 18 years
- U.S. Citizenship or permanent resident alien status
- Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- Valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
- Valid Medical Certificate
- Drug testing compliance (within 6 months)
- Lifeboatman or Lifeboatman-Limited endorsement
- Pass written and practical examinations (or complete approved courses)
AB Endorsement Types and Sea Time Requirements
There are several types of AB endorsements, each with different sea time requirements. The following table shows the current reduced requirements in effect until December 22, 2026.
| Endorsement Type | Sea Time Requirement | Vessel Type/Location |
|---|---|---|
| AB Unlimited | 540 days | Deck service on oceans or Great Lakes |
| AB Limited | 360 days | Deck service on vessels of 100 GRT or more, not exclusive to rivers & smaller inland lakes |
| AB Special | 180 days | Deck service on navigable waters of the U.S. |
| AB OSV | 180 days | Deck service on navigable waters of the U.S. |
| AB Sail | 180 days | Deck service on sailing school vessels, oceanographic research vessels powered primarily by sail |
| AB Fishing | 180 days | Deck service, not as a processor, on any navigable waters of the U.S. |
| AB MODU | 360 days | Service on vessels 65 feet or over on any navigable waters of the U.S. |
Sea Time Acceleration
Working on vessels with 12-hour watches (such as tugs or OSVs) can earn you 1.5 days of sea service credit for each day worked, potentially reducing the time needed to qualify for higher endorsements.
Additional Endorsements
Beyond the basic AB endorsement, there are additional endorsements that can increase your employability and earning potential:
STCW Endorsements
- Able Seafarer-Deck (AS-D): Required for international voyages on STCW-compliant vessels
- Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW): Allows standing watch on international voyages
- Basic Safety Training (BST): Includes personal survival, fire prevention, elementary first aid, and personal safety
- Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (VPDSD): Required for security responsibilities
Specialized Endorsements
- Tankerman PIC: Significantly increases pay on tanker vessels
- Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSC): Advanced lifeboat operations
- Fast Rescue Boat: Operation of high-speed rescue craft
- Advanced Firefighting: Enhanced fire response capabilities
Application Process
- Obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) from the Transportation Security Administration
- Complete a U.S. Coast Guard physical examination and obtain a Medical Certificate
- Complete required training courses (Basic Safety Training, Lifeboatman, etc.)
- Accumulate the required sea time for your desired endorsement
- Submit application to the National Maritime Center (Form CG-719B)
- Pass written and practical examinations (if not completing approved courses)
- Receive your Merchant Mariner Credential with AB endorsement